Devotion
God Hires His Own Employees
David Jacobs
I was often an unruly child. I would fight with my siblings, talk back to my parents, lie about childish things and be about as imperfect as children are supposed to be as we learn life's important lessons.
My parents had tried everything to keep my three brothers and me in line; groundings, confiscation of favorite toys, cancelling exciting plans. These acts of discipline often seemed to provide temporary fixes to the problems that a household of boys provided.
One Sunday morning, as we prepared for church, my parents asked my brothers and me if we had cleaned our teeth after breakfast. I wanted 5 more minutes in front of the television so I lied and said I had. My parents knew I wasn't telling the truth because I hadn't moved since I crawled out of bed to enjoy weekend cartoons. My mother was furious: "how dare I lie about such a trivial thing?"
But my father stayed calm and enacted wisdom that I will never forget. Instead of shouting or losing his temper, he told me "Today you will confess to Pastor Chris. You will tell him that you lied to your parents, fought with your brothers and made back chat." Pastor Chris was such a pure, positive and thoughtful man. The thought of him knowing that I misbehaved made me feel a deep sadness. I turned to see Pastor Chris walking in my direction, eyes fixed on me, but he didn't seem mad. He explained that my parents had told him that I had some confessions to make. I said I was too embarrassed, that I didn't want to look bad in front of him and God. He laughed and probed me to keep talking.
I said, "You are a kind, patient and friendly person. And God created me, provides for me and keeps me safe."
He smiled, patted me on the head and said 'Does that not describe your parents, too?' and with that, he walked off, leaving me to reflect.
How embarrassed was I that I felt no shame in the way I had behaved for my parents, those who were doing God's work without a robe or veil?
It is almost impossible to overstate the importance of our pastors, ministers and missionaries (and anyone else who also helps keep the gospel of peace).
Prayer
They are our anchors in spreading the word of Christ, the compass that navigates others to salvation and the boat that carries us from sin.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
